Written by: Carolina Worrell, Managing Editor Metrolink’s mobile ticketing app, which allows riders the option to purchase their ticket on a smartphone, tablet or other mobile device, is now available for all Metrolink trips, including trips connecting to Los Angeles Union Station, the agency reported on March 31, 2016. A mobile ticketing pilot started earlier this month on Metrolink’s Inland Empire-Orange County line. Since March 1, the Metrolink app was downloaded more than 7,000 times with more than 4,700 tickets purchased, accounting for 13% of all tickets sold on the line. The app is available in both Google Play and the Apple App stores and allows passengers to connect to participating bus operators including Metro Bus. Initially, riders who transfer to Metro Rail, Corporate QuickCard users and Metrolink riders who take part in the Rail 2 Rail® program with Amtrak should continue to use paper tickets from Metrolink’s ticket vending machines. Metrolink will introduce improvements to make these options available through mobile ticketing in the future. This fall, barcode readers will be installed on the Metro Rail fare gates, enabling passengers throughout the Metrolink system to buy tickets through the Metrolink App and continue their commute on Metro Rail and at no additional cost. Metrolink is also working with Amtrak to eventually allow mobile tickets to be scanned by Amtrak conductors. The Metrolink Mobile App uses the Masabi JustRide mobile ticketing system, which is used by other transportation providers, including the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), MTS, and both Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Metro-North and Long Island Railroad, across the U.S. and Europe. The systemwide launch is in time for Metrolink’s Angels Express, where fans can take the train from L.A. Union Station or Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo to all Angels weekday home games starting at 7:05 p.m. on Metrolink’s Orange County Line. For Friday night home games at 7:05 p.m., there is also train service from Riverside on the Inland Empire-Orange County Line. The Angels home opener and the Angels Express train service begins Monday, April 4 with the opening-game kickoff event starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Irvine Metrolink Station. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is hosting the event. “As an Angels fan, I am looking forward to seeing people use the app to take the train to and from home games to complement our regular-service riders,” said Chair of the Metrolink Board of Directors Shawn Nelson, who is also an Orange County Supervisor representing communities along Metrolink rail lines. “Metrolink is making it easier than ever to use public transportation in Southern California.” The Angels Express train service will run to the Anaheim-ARTIC Station, next to Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Angels Express trains arrive at least 30 minutes before game time and the return trains leave 30 minutes after the final out. Fans returning to Los Angeles will take Amtrak train 595 with a scheduled departure from Anaheim-ARTIC of 11:06 p.m. The train will not stop at either the Buena Park or Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs stations. The regular price for the Angels Express train is $7 round-trip, with discounts for seniors and riders with disabilities ($6), and children ages 6 to 18 years ($4). Children 5 and under ride free with an adult fare. Since the agency's inception in 1991, passengers purchasing tickets and passes at stations only had the option of going to a ticket vending machine. Mobile ticketing is Metrolink's first step toward revolutionizing how riders pay to ride the train. In the coming months, Metrolink expects to deliver continued enhancements, such as the ability to buy tickets online for delivery to mobile devices. Tickets and passes will continue to be available at station ticket machines. Continue reading...
